What is this? Did I actually update?

Clara Rose. Love her to pieces. Happy Friday!

CATCHING UP

It has been a long time since I have updated my blog. 

We have had a a lot of excitemednt around here.

For Easter Cheslea and Derek suprised us with the news that they are expecting a baby on

12-12-12

We are so excited to be getting a little grand baby for Christmas.

May 1st was the day that Bills Book was officially released.  We drove up to wyoming to the publishers ranch so that he could see all the boxes and boxes of books.  He signed 600 of them and acted just like a kid in a candy store.  I have never seen him so excited.  finally his dream of publishing his book had come true.  He has spent many days since then traveling and doing book siginings.

June 1st 2012

Katlyn graduated from Woods Cross High School and from Seminary.

She was on the honor roll and earned several scholar awards including a scholarship to Southern Utah University where she will be going in the Fall.  With Hayley still in Tennessee, we will be empty nesters for a little while.

Will and Kari added to their liitle family.  They bought a little Yorkie and named him Milo. Now Banks has a partner in crime and a companion.  Luke enjoys their visits and has been pretty patient with them.

July 4th

Hayley surprised us with a little visit.  She flew home to get a new Drivers License.  It was fun to see her and to have her here for a weekend.  Bill took Her and Katyln fishing.  They had a lot of fun together.

VALENTINES DAY

I had a great Valentines Day. Bill surprised me by sending flowers to my work. They were beautiful, I love tulips. We had a fun lunch at work with lots of good food and yummy Valentines cookies I made ( thanks Nancy for the recipe). When I got home I was surprised to see my front door covered in red hearts and Happy Valentines hanging on the garage door. Thanks Katlyn! Hayley surprised me by sending a cute apron and some earrings. I had just bought the cute plate that matched.

The only thing that would have made it a better day would have been Bill being home.

Christmas 2011

I wanted this Christmas to be extra special. I had all the family together and it was wonderful. Next year will probably be different. Kids get married and you have to share them. It was my first Christmas that most of my children came to visit instead of just living here.

We had a yummy dinner Christmas Eve, watched the nativity story and opened pajamas. I loved just being able to visit with everyone.

Christmas morning of course came early. We were up at 6 a.m. Opening presents. Our Christmas breakfast was yummy scones and ham.

I loved having Christmas on Sunday. The Christmas program was really good but the best part was sitting with my whole family. I will always remember this special Christmas. It was fun having Derek and Kari as part of our family this year.

Who needs Martha Stewart?

I did it! I have always wanted to serve my turkey all dressed up on a platter instead of a plate of cut up meat. I think it turned out perfect. Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAYLEY

Happy Birthday Hayley!  The Big 20

Isn't she Beautiful!

We skyped Chelsea so she could be a part of the surprise.

 We tried to surprise her but apparently I am not very good at planning these things.  It was really fun though.  We sure love you Hayley!!!

I had a hard time deciding what cake Hayley might like.  I decided to go with the cute dinousaur.  Ha Ha Hayley.

Carter really liked the cake

Don't look at me stuffing my face.  I was trying to get a picture with lot's of people in it.

TREK

I'm a little late with this post but here is TREK 2011.  Bill, Katie and I went to Martins's Cove on Aug.  It was a little challenging for Katie and A LOT Challenging for me.  I walked 28 miles with Bronchitis but was determined to do it.  I am so glad that I got this opportunity.  I have a great appreciation for my pioneer ancestors.  I know that they were truly blessed.

BIll , katie, E

Katie and E

Katie pushing her handcart

The names of those burried at Rock Hollow.  WoW!  They were amazing people with amazing stories.

Bill up at Rocky Ridge

Rocky Ridge.  Yes, we pulled the handcarts up this hill.

Our WONDERFUL support staff.  They Worked incredibly hard

Monument at Rocky Ridge

Katie and her cute "Brothers"

Katies Family at the end of the trail.

one of our camp sites

Don't be fooled by the smile.  I am ready to DIE at this point but sooooo glad to have made it to the end.